Johnny's P.o.V.

"You're dating a Soc?" I almost whispered in disbelief.

Two-Bit nodded, and then kissed Marcia's cheek. "Yeah, we've been going steady for almost four months now."

Steve smiled at them and then looked back at us. "The plan is that we're all gonna follow you there. We're gonna see the guy, and then before things get too out of hand we're gonna bust them. You guys are right about what you said. The police aren't gonna listen to us, but the will listen to Marcia."

"You're comfortable with doing this?" Pony asked her.

She nodded. "Of course, I don't want any of Two's friends getting hurt."

"He's already been hurt..." Pony frowned and looked down.

"I don't want him to get hurt anymore. Look, I know it seems like all Socs are really bad people who just jump greasers for no reason," she bit her lip. "but that's not true. Not all of us are like that."

"How come you haven't told anybody about yall's relationship?" I asked quietly, not liking being around a stranger. Especially a Soc.

Even if Two-Bit trusted her. My past experiences have left me terrified of them.

Two-Bit gave me a sideways glance. "That was my choice. I didn't want her getting beaten up because she was dating me."

My cheeks flushed and I looked at Marcia. "I'm sorry, you're trying to help me and I'm doubting you."

She smiled and walked over to Pony and I, sitting on the couch. "Honey you're fine. I know that the man who did this to you must have you traumatized."

I nodded slowly and Pony rested his hand on my arm.

"We're all gonna help you Johnny." Steve sighed and leaned against the wall.

Dally walked in, obviously not noticing Marcia, because he immediately screamed, "Alright fuckers I think I know what bitch is doing this to Johnny!"

Two's eyes widened. "Dally there is a lady in the house!" He speed walked over to his girlfriend and held his arms out, as if he were presenting her.

Dally got a little flustered. "Oh, um, sorry miss...WHY IS THERE A SOC IM THIS HOUSE?" He yelled after noticing her nice clothes.

Two grinned. "This is my girlfriend Marcia. Remember our plan to catch the guy? Well she's gonna act as a witness for us since you know that they'll take a Socs word over a greaser's."

Dally narrowed his eyes, still not seeming to trust her. Finally, he looked at me. "Johnnycakes when do you have to meet up with him again?"

I shuddered lightly causing Pony to rub my shoulders soothingly. "Tomorrow."

Steve sat next to me and wrapped and arm around my shoulder. Pony glared lightly, a little bit jealous. "Johnny tomorrow...you're gonna have to let him hit you..."

"What?!" Pony yelled. "No! We can stop it we can't let him get hit!"

"Marcia needs something to tell the police. He may get off easy with just some threats. She needs to actually see something."

I tensed up a bit and looked at Pony. "I'll be fine, Ponyboy. I've handled worse. Just..." I looked at the other three boys. "please don't let him hurt me too bad."

They all nodded. "Of course Johnny. Only what's necessary."

I took a deep, shaky breath and stood up, wobbling slightly. "I think I need to lay down."

Pony stood up and took my arm. "I'll go with you."

We slowly walked up the stairs and into our room. "Awe Ponyboy you didn't have to go with me...I was just getting overwhelmed is all. I needed to get out of that room."

"Do you want me to leave?" He asked?

I looked at the ground for a few seconds before finally looking back up and shaking my head, wide eyed. "No," I said. "please stay with me."

We both laid down on the bed and he pulled me close to him. "It's all almost over Johnny. Tomorrow..." he swallowed hard. "tomorrow is the end of it. They're gonna help you."

"I'm scared." I admitted and clutched onto his arm. "What if he figures it out? What if he kills me before you guys can do anything? What if he kills you? Then it'll be my fault and...and..." I started breathing quickly, my mind slipping.

"Pony!" I yelled. "Pony I can't breathe!"

He sat up quickly and pulled me up. "What? What's going on?"

"Idon'tknowpleasehelpme!" I cried out, my breaths coming in way too fast. My body jerked and I began to curl up. I tried to move my arms, but they wouldn't work.

Pony pulled my body out of its locked position and grabbed my face, shoving it towards his chest. "Listen to my heartbeat." He whispered and I got a weird sense of dejavu.

But I did as he told me to and started listening to the easy rhythm of his heart. It helped calm me down immensely, and soon enough I could feel my own heart match his steady beat.

My breathing slowed down and I could start to feel my limbs again.

Pony hugged me tightly. "Are you okay now?"

I nodded, only I began crying. "What happened Ponyboy?"

My boyfriend rubbed my back soothingly. "You had a panic attack baby..."

I had brief flashbacks of the time that him and I were at a restaurant and he got a panic attack. "You had me listen to your heart..." I was still sobbing.

Pony kissed away my tears and hugged me even tighter. "It helped me when you did it...I thought it was worth a shot."

We laid down after the feeling of panicked adrenaline wore off. I curled into Pony's side. Usually, he was the one who I wrapped my arms around.

I always made it my duty to protect him. It felt nice for once to be the one looked after.

"You'll be okay Johnny. You'll be okay..."

Woooo I'm super tired since I went to an amusement park and had to get up early. But I managed to get a fluffy chapter done!